The National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) shows a civic knowledge gap similar to the achievement gap, showing urban youth struggling in particular. However, research has shown that urban youth can be civically engaged when they are involved in projects or organizing intended to improve community conditions, not simply absorbing civic…

Studies suggest that urban residents in low-income and minority communities are subject to an unequal amount of environmental pollution and inequitable enforcement practices. Projects such as Sustainable Cleveland show that key components of implementing policies are access to Internet-based information and participation community-based…

In summation of the three surveys which comprised the total Adult Needs Assessment, four basic generalities describe the adult learning situation in Colorado. (1) The people recognize and appreciate adult learning as a necessary and desirable means toward improving their lives. Their view toward education is serious and mature. (2) The public…

It is vitally important for all U.S. citizens to know that they can make a difference, that they can affect the futures of their towns, cities, and nation. The grass roots tradition is alive and flourishing in communities all over the country. This document proposes programs in which members of different generations work together as partners on…

Three different surveys were collected to gather data about adult occupational, educational, and related needs; agency services available to adults; and the businessman's requirements and perceptions about adult needs. The thrust was to gather data to help identify educational needs and attitudes of adults, age sixteen and older, not enrolled in a…

Decreased civic and political participation is a pressing problem in the United States. Today, Americans are less likely to vote, work for a party or candidate, attend a meeting, or belong to a social or community organization than they were 40 years ago. A study used the Community Indicators Survey, a nationally representative sample of 1,206…

This "Civic Index" is intended to help communities evaluate and improve their civic infrastructures, as well as look at the issues and find approaches to dealing with them. The 10 components of the Civic Index serve as a description of the types of skills and processes that must be present for a community to deal effectively with its unique…